Buffalo Sabres: No Timetable for the Return of Zach Bogosian
By Paul Taylor
Zach Bogosian is skating again, but coach Dan Bylsma is still unsure of when the defenseman will be back in the lineup for the Buffalo Sabres.
The Buffalo Sabres are gradually recovering from their bevy of early-season injuries. However, there are still some key absences, including Tyler Ennis.
The 2008 first round draft pick is making good progress, since having sports hernia surgery. However, while he will start skating again very soon, he is expected to be out for another month.
Another player the Sabres are still missing, is Zach Bogosian. The Massena, New York native has been out of action, since he suffered a sprained medial collateral ligament in his knee at the start of November.
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Unlike Ennis, there is currently no timetable for when Bogosian will return, or even start practicing with his teammates. Regardless, there was some encouraging progress during the weekend.
While the Sabres went through an hour-long workout on Saturday, the defenseman skated in full uniform on the secondary rink at HarborCenter. He was accompanied by rehab and development coach, Dennis Miller.
Sabres’ coach Dan Bylsma spoke to John Vogl of The Buffalo News and the rest of the media about Bogosian, following the workout: “He’s ramping up his skating from being on the ice to being on the ice with gear.
“His skating level is going higher here. Hopefully, he continues to progress.”
Long-term, Bylsma and his staff will be hoping this progress includes being able to remain healthy. Ever since the 26-year old entered the NHL, he has struggled to stay on the ice.
The 2008 OHL First Team All-Star has only once come close to playing all season, and that was seven years ago. It should be noted though, that this is not a criticism of him – hockey is undoubtedly one of the most physical games in all of professional sports.
Regardless, Bogosian’s inability to stay healthy has contributed to his inability to fulfill the potential, which saw him drafted third overall by the Atlanta Thrashers. Hockey analysts have often raved about his superior mobility, offensive ability and capability to shut down opposing forwards.
In addition, the first NHL player of Armenian descent is aggressive and capable of playing big minutes. Overall, it was understandable why the Sabres traded for him during the 20014-15 season.
The main problem though is that, regardless of how much talent you may have, at some point you have to put it all together and produce. If not, any potential eventually turns into a wasted opportunity.
The Sabres are doing the right thing by being cautious with Bogosian, and not rushing him back. However, this doesn’t change the fact that sooner rather than later, he’s going to have to prove he is capable of staying on the ice.
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What is your perspective of Bogosian in general, especially taking into account his injury history? Does he still have the chance to fulfill his potential? Share your thoughts in the comments section.